Overview
In sunny Lakeland, Florida, installing solar panels on your home can be a smart financial decision. With plentiful sunshine and low average precipitation, the city is an ideal location for harnessing solar power to save on electricity costs. By analyzing weather data and electricity rates, we will demonstrate how investing in a solar system can help you break even in a reasonable amount of time, ultimately saving you money in the long run.
Lakeland Florida Weather Trends
Lakeland Precipitation
With an annual precipitation of 52.39 inches, Lakeland, Florida ranks in the 53rd percentile nationwide and the 17th percentile in the state. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Florida’s average of 65.98 inches, Lakeland experiences less rainfall, making it an ideal location for harnessing solar power.
Lakeland’s UV Rating
Boasting an average UV rating of 6.1, Lakeland, Florida is in the 97th percentile nationally and the 67th percentile within the state. When compared to the national average of 4.29 and Florida’s average of 5.96, Lakeland receives ample sunlight, perfect for generating solar energy to power your home efficiently.
Lakeland’s Cloud Cover
On average, Lakeland, Florida has a cloud cover of 42%, ranking it in the 42nd percentile nationwide and the 46th percentile in Florida. With a national average of 44.46% and Florida’s average of 43.5%, Lakeland enjoys clear skies for the majority of the year, maximizing the potential for solar energy production.
Lakeland Florida Electricity Costs
Residents of Lakeland pay approximately $0.1/kw for electricity, placing the city in the 9th percentile nationally and the 3rd percentile within Florida. In comparison, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, and Florida’s average is $0.12/kw. By investing in solar panels, Lakeland residents can take advantage of the sun’s energy to significantly reduce their electricity bills over time.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Lakeland Florida?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Lakeland, Florida, let’s break down the investment in solar panels and see how long it would take to make up the initial cost.
First, let’s look at the weather data:
- Lakeland receives slightly more rainfall than the national average, but it still has enough sunny days for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Lakeland are higher than the national average, making it a good location for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Lakeland is slightly lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Lakeland pay less for electricity compared to the national average, which is beneficial for solar panel users.
With this information, let’s break down the costs:
- A standard solar system of 10kW costs $20,000.
- This system is expected to last between 25 and 30 years.
To find out how long it would take to break even on this investment, we need to calculate the annual savings from using solar power. Here’s how:
- The system generates electricity, reducing the amount needed from the grid.
- With lower electricity rates in Lakeland, the savings from using solar power are not as high as in areas with higher electricity costs.
After analyzing the data, it looks like it would take around 12 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Lakeland. This means that after 12 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to contribute to paying off the investment. Since solar panels last for a long time, you will continue to benefit from these savings for many years to come. It’s a wise investment that can help save money and support the environment simultaneously!
Investing in solar power in Lakeland Florida
Considering the weather patterns and electricity costs in Lakeland, Florida, investing in solar panels can be a financially sound decision. With abundant sunshine, low precipitation, and relatively inexpensive electricity rates, residents of Lakeland have the perfect conditions for harnessing solar power. By breaking down the costs and analyzing the data, it is evident that the initial investment in solar panels can be recouped in around 12 years. Not only will this save money in the long run, but it is also an environmentally friendly option. Installing solar panels in Lakeland is a smart choice that can lead to significant savings and a greener future.